The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Jeremy Morin in exchange for Richard Panik in a swap of two 24-year-old former 2009 second rounders.
Both wingers have struggled to break the NHL full time in their five-year pro careers, and are currently waiver eligible.
After getting drowned out in the competition at camp and showing next to nothing in preseason, Panik played a good chunk of games with Nylander and Leivo on the Marlies in the first half of the season, along with ample PP time. He’s put up 24 points in 32 games so far in 2015-16, including a game-winning goal tonight in his final contribution in blue and white:
https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/683822304023965696
Morin has been dealt three times in the last year and a bit, having been traded from the Blackhawks to the Blue Jackets in exchange for Tim Erixon last Fall before returning to Chicago in the Brandon Saad deal in the summer.
Morin’s AHL PPG this season is .79 to Panik’s .76 this season, along with a 2.72 shots per game rate compared to Panik’s 2.02. Career AHL production narrowly favours Morin, who has 180 points in 236 games (.76PPG) compared to Panik’s 118 in 165 (.72 PPG). Morin has always been a high-volume shooter, with a 3.13 shots per game average over his AHL career compared to Panik’s 1.98 mark.
Over his NHL appearances, Morin’s posted 22 points in 82 games (.27 PPG) compared to Panik’s 39 points in 151 games (.26 PPG). Morin’s rate stats (see below) are superior to Panik’s across the board, but he’s played a little less per game on average.
Both 24, yet to see NHL mins this yr & have averaged ~0.75 PPG in the A. JM more eff at NHL level but less exposure pic.twitter.com/kgfh6evR7N
— Dom Jr. Galamini (@MimicoHero) January 4, 2016
This is a simple swap of two players running low on time as far as their “prospect” status is concerned. Obviously there are holes in Morin’s game preventing him from breaking the NHL full time, but he arguably has more skill and goal-scoring/shooting talent in his repertoire than Panik does. Likely nothing comes of this, but Panik’s time with the organization had run out in terms of any foreseeable future on the Leafs.
If the Leafs move some bodies out come the February 29 deadline, expect them to find out what Morin can accomplish with some opportunity under head coach Mike Babcock.
New Leaf Jeremy Morin has been a real good Corsi player in the NHL, with a 56%. Was also his AHL team's leading PPG player last few seasons.
— Quinn MacKeen (@quinnesq) January 4, 2016
Joel Quenneville on Jeremy Morin and Richard Panik: "Fresh starts for both guys." #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) January 4, 2016
Jeremy Morin Scouting Report
courtesy of McKeen’s Yearbook:
Once considered a top prospect for the Blackhawks, the second round pick in 2009 (45th overall) became available after demanding playing time, or to be moved – sparking interest from a number of teams .. wish was fulfilled in November, being dealt to Columbus for Tim Erixon following a string of press box appearances and no points in 15 games. Averaged very little ice time and seemingly fell into disfavour in Chicago – after lighting it up in the AHL for the past three seasons (54 goals in 114 game the past two seasons) – failing to distinguish himself in holes created by injury .. missed significant time from late January due to an accelerate heart rate at rest, returning 25 games later .. dressed for the U.S. at the World Championships in Prague, firing two shots on goal in 10 games.. natural goal-scorer with quick, soft hands.. not overly physical or mean, yet will inject spurts of urgency, especially when a scoring chance arises .. drives aggressively into traffic areas.. doesn’t always make the optimal play.. will work the puck and wait for better openings or fire a surprise shot with distribution options available.
